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Forest Lawn Museum

4.7
·529 reviews·Glendale, United States

A free, underrated museum within a historic memorial park, showcasing rotating art exhibits and impressive architecture.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Forest Lawn Museum - Image 1

Forest Lawn Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, underrated museum within a historic memorial park, showcasing rotating art exhibits and impressive architecture.

4.7
(529 reviews)

"Free hidden gem, actually cool. They have a permanent area in the front with beautiful statues and art."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy the museum and grounds for free! Ample parking is available on-site.

📅 Check Exhibit Schedule

Exhibits rotate, so check the Forest Lawn Museum website before your visit.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection

Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Home to America's largest religious painting, 'The Crucifixion,' and the 'Resurrection' painting.

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The Great Mausoleum

The Great Mausoleum

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

An architectural marvel with intricate designs and a rich history, offering a unique exploration.

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Rotating Art Exhibitions

Rotating Art Exhibitions

Forest Lawn Museum

Discover diverse and impactful art from renowned artists, with new exhibitions showcased twice yearly.

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Exterior Statues and Gardens

Exterior Statues and Gardens

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Admire beautiful statues and meticulously maintained gardens that add to the serene atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Rotating Exhibits

Forest Lawn Museum offers free admission, making it an accessible art destination. Exhibits change roughly every six months, so check their website for current displays before you visit to ensure you see what interests you most. Instagram

Beyond the Museum Walls

While the museum itself is a draw, the surrounding Forest Lawn Memorial Park is an attraction in its own right, featuring impressive statues, gardens, and panoramic city views. Plan to explore both. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
During Exhibit Openings
Why
See new art first
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour city views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

So beautiful and peaceful! The building has 11 terraces, dozens of sculptures, and more than 100 stained glass windows. It has endured through the Great Depression, World War II, and into the 21st century. The Last Supper is the centerpiece of the Memorial Court of Honor, the only place in the world where Michelangelo’s greatest statuary works can be seen together in one location. #placestovisit #...
@justagothmama
546 likes • 15.9K views

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy the museum and grounds for free! Ample parking is available on-site. InstagramReddit

📅 Check Exhibit Schedule

Exhibits rotate, so check the Forest Lawn Museum website before your visit. Instagram+1

Forest Lawn Museum is one of the best Things to do in Los Angeles in 2022 #thingstodo #weekendvibes #placestovisit #losangeles #california
@whatsuplosangeles
53 likes • 4.5K views
Discover the Great Mausoleum here at Forest Lawn-Glendale. It’s free and open 7 days a week. #forestlawnmuseum #greatmausoleum #thingstodoinla
forestlawnmuseum
582 likes • 16.4K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the museum and the expansive grounds. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning hilltop views of Los Angeles from the grounds. Reddit

Part 7 - The Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale opened in 1952 and is located next to the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection. It rotates art exhibitions twice yearly, and has hosted solo exhibitions for Henri Matisse, Winslow Homer, Ian Hornak, Francisco Goya, Rembrandt, and Marc Davis. @forestlawnmuseum @c.austinart @fatherree.paintings
johndunson7
7 likes • 228 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission & Parking

Enjoy the museum and grounds for free! Ample parking is available on-site. InstagramReddit

📅 Check Exhibit Schedule

Exhibits rotate, so check the Forest Lawn Museum website before your visit. Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the museum and the expansive grounds. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning hilltop views of Los Angeles from the grounds. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Beyond the Museum

The surrounding Forest Lawn Memorial Park is a destination itself with art and history. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(529 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors frequently praise Forest Lawn Museum as a 'free hidden gem' with 'beautiful, spiritual, and awe-inspiring' experiences. The rotating art exhibits are a highlight, alongside the impressive statues and panoramic city views. Some find the cemetery setting somber, but most appreciate the unique blend of art, history, and serene landscapes.

"I love a good cemetery and Forest Lawn Memorial-Park is a gem. I read up on the history of the cemetery before visiting. The "Builder" achieved a unique, art filled experience that's beautiful and enjoyable to explore."

LiElla Kelly

"Free hidden gem, actually cool. They have a permanent area in the front with beautiful statues and art, and in the back they change up the art every six months. Ample parking. Great views of the city, too."

Rose Morse

"I9 Youth Sports was invited here for a charity run. The venue is beautiful and the staff is friendly. I never knew there is a museum at the top"

Byron Enamorado

What People Like

Free admission
Rotating art exhibits
Beautiful grounds & views

What People Dislike

Cemetery setting (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Forest Lawn Museum is located at 1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205. It's accessible by car, and there is free parking available on-site. Public transportation options may require transfers, so driving is often the most convenient. Instagram

Yes, Forest Lawn Museum offers free parking in designated lots on the grounds. Visitors have reported ample parking availability. InstagramReddit

While public transport can reach the Glendale area, direct routes to the museum might be limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

From Los Angeles, take the I-5 North and exit onto Colorado Street. Turn right onto S Glendale Ave, and Forest Lawn will be on your left. Always check a GPS for real-time traffic updates. Instagram

The museum is part of the larger Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Look for signs directing you to the museum upon entering the park grounds. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Forest Lawn Museum is completely free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for art lovers. InstagramReddit

Forest Lawn Museum hours are typically daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current operating hours, especially for specific exhibits or holidays. Instagram+1

No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during operating hours. Instagram

Yes, the museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions that change periodically, often featuring significant artists. They also host events, so checking their website is recommended. Instagram+5

Yes, the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn is free to visit and open seven days a week. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The museum features rotating art exhibitions, a permanent American history exhibit, and access to iconic structures like the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection and the Great Mausoleum. The grounds also offer beautiful statues and city views. InstagramReddit+3

This building houses two massive paintings: 'The Crucifixion' (60 feet wide) and 'The Resurrection' (21 feet wide), which are considered some of the largest religious paintings in America. Instagram+1

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to check for signage within the museum or ask staff if photography is permitted for the current exhibit. Instagram

While the art exhibits might appeal to older children, the museum is located within a cemetery, which may be a somber environment for very young children. The expansive grounds offer space to explore. Instagram

The museum has hosted exhibitions featuring a wide range of artists and themes, from religious art and historical pieces to contemporary works by influential figures in glass art and Filipino-American artists. Instagram+4

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the Great Mausoleum, the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, the various statues throughout the park, and the panoramic city views from the hilltop are all excellent photo opportunities. InstagramReddit+2

Drone photography is generally not permitted in cemeteries or memorial parks due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume this is not allowed. Reddit

Photography rules can differ for each exhibition. Always look for posted signs or ask museum staff for guidance on whether you can take photos of the artwork. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful lighting for photos, especially for capturing the city views. Early mornings can also be serene and less crowded. Reddit

A versatile camera that handles both indoor lighting (for exhibits) and outdoor landscapes is ideal. A smartphone camera is also excellent for capturing the diverse sights. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Forest Lawn Museum can be a unique outing for families, though it's best suited for children who can appreciate a quieter, more reflective environment. The expansive grounds offer space for kids to move around, and the impressive statues and architecture can spark curiosity. InstagramReddit

While the museum's art exhibits might be more engaging for older children or teens, the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection with its colossal paintings can be a visually striking experience for all ages. The panoramic city views also provide a fun element. Consider it a more educational and serene outing compared to a typical children's museum. Instagram+1

🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget

Forest Lawn Museum is a dream for budget-conscious art lovers. With free admission, you can experience a rotating selection of high-caliber art exhibitions without spending a dime. InstagramReddit

Past exhibitions have featured renowned artists, making it a place to discover significant works. Combine your museum visit with exploring the beautiful grounds and impressive mausoleums, all of which are also free to access. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in art and culture in Los Angeles without breaking the bank. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers and Sightseers

For photographers, Forest Lawn offers a wealth of visual opportunities. The architectural grandeur of the Great Mausoleum and the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection provide dramatic indoor shots. Instagram+1

Outdoors, the statues, manicured gardens, and especially the sweeping vistas of the Los Angeles basin from the hilltop are prime subjects. The late afternoon light can be particularly stunning for capturing these views. Remember to check photography policies for indoor exhibits. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Forest Lawn Museum is nestled within the expansive and historically significant Forest Lawn Memorial Park. This park is more than just a cemetery; it's a beautifully landscaped arboretum and a repository of art and history. Visitors can spend hours exploring its various sections, each with its own unique character and points of interest. The park is renowned for its impressive collection of statues, many of which are replicas of famous works, and its meticulously maintained gardens that offer a peaceful retreat. InstagramReddit

Beyond the visual beauty, Forest Lawn holds significant historical and cultural importance. It's the final resting place for many notable figures, and its architecture, including the Great Mausoleum and the Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, are architectural marvels in themselves. The park offers stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, making it a unique spot for both reflection and sightseeing. InstagramReddit+1

When visiting, consider dedicating time to wander through different sections of the park. The Freedom Mausoleum and the Court of Freedom are particularly noteworthy for their historical significance. Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is vast, and be prepared for a serene yet awe-inspiring experience that blends art, history, and natural beauty. Instagram

The Art of Forest Lawn Museum

Forest Lawn Museum is an underrated art destination that consistently offers engaging exhibitions. While it has a permanent American history exhibit, its strength lies in its rotating art displays, which change approximately every six months. These exhibitions have featured a diverse range of artists, from masters like Henri Matisse and Rembrandt to contemporary figures in glass art and muralism. Instagram+4

The museum's location within Forest Lawn Memorial Park adds a unique dimension to the art experience. It's not uncommon for exhibitions to draw inspiration from the park's history, religious significance, or the broader cultural landscape of Southern California. For instance, past exhibits have highlighted Filipino-American artists, showcasing the rich diaspora of art and culture in the region. Instagram

Visitors often express surprise at the quality and variety of art presented, especially given the free admission. It's a place where you can encounter significant works of art in a tranquil and contemplative setting. Checking the museum's official website for current and upcoming exhibitions is highly recommended to make the most of your visit. Reddit